Malawi faces another fuel price hike

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) officials are expected to announce new fuel prices soon after the one year celebration of President Joyce Banda’s inauguration is over, Nyasa Times has learnt.

President Banda ascended to the high office on April 7 after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika on April 5.

At a meeting held at Wankulu Palace in the capital Lilongwe on Thursday afternoon MERA officials agreed to raise fuel prices effective tomorrow but sources say the decision was thwarted by a directive which was believed to be coming from above to effect the hike until the celebrations are over.

The news which has already found its way on social networks have ignited concerns from Malawians with many expressing shock and surprise.

Fuel prices to go up Malawi

“Heheeee! Koma tirimba? Pang,ono ndi pang,ono mkiyo usonkhana (wow, how gonna we survive? our wrath is slowly gaining momentum) reads on post on Facebook.

And another post reads: “Oh God of Abraham, have mercy on us!!!!”

However economic commentators are not amused. In his Facebook post, Henry Kachaje executive director for Business Consult Africa says there is no need for Malawians to be surprised over the issue but they should rather get used to it.

“Why are people still surprised? The AFP [Automatic Fuel Pricing] System and Kwacha floatation means fuel prices are not static and can change any day, any minute! Get used to it folks!!!”

MERA last increased the fuel prices on March 12 due to what they call was a result of price hikes on the international market as well as depreciation of Malawi Kwacha.